watchOS 4.2 Released With Apple Pay Cash Support and More: How to Download, Install

HIGHLIGHTS

Apple Pay Cash lets you make payments through the Messages app

Works with iPhone and iPad models that run iOS 11.2 and above

Fixes variety of bugs and adds additional support for HomeKit

Apple has released the official watchOS 4.2 update for all Apple Watch models. The new software update brings with it support for Apple Pay Cash, which when setup on an iPhone running iOS 11.2, will become available in the Messages app and Wallet app on Apple Watch devices. The feature is only available for US users as of now.

Unveiled first at WWDC 2017 for launch with iOS 11, Apple Pay Cash was delayed in its release, and only became available with the iOS 11.2 that was released earlier this week. The feature from the Cupertino giant lets you pay stores or other apps directly with a virtual debit card (Apple Pay Cash card) stored on your iPhone or Apple Watch. It appears as an option beside the ‘Scribble’ option in the Messages app. You can also use Siri to make and receive payments for contacts via Apple Pay Cash.

Funds received through Apple Pay Cash can be transferred back to the bank. An important thing to note here is that while debit card transfers are free, transferring funds through a credit card attract a 3 percent fee.

As we mentioned, Apple Pay Cash will work only with an Apple Watch linked to iPhone and iPad models that are running iOS 11.2.

The release is identified as Build 15S102. The update also adds support for HomeKit sprinklers and faucets, adds enhanced downhill snow sports tracking for third-party apps, and resolves a variety of bugs, including one that would crash the watch when asking Siri about the weather. It also resolves the issue where simultaneous alarms and timers couldn’t be dismissed independently, apart from fixing an issue where scrolling was disabled in Heart Rate.

To update to watchOS 4.2, Apple Watch users must ensure their devices have at least 50 percent charge before starting – it is also recommended to keep the device on charge while updating. Your iPhone will to be in close proximity to the Apple Watch, and will need to be on Wi-Fi. After this, users will need to launch the Watch app on their iPhone and head to the My Watch tab and then General > Software Update. Enter the Watch passcode if prompted and then follow the prompts from your iPhone. The Apple Watch should restart twice before the update is completed.

Apple Pay Cash takes on competing services Square Cash and Venmo to offer an efficient to transfer money through the Apple Watch. The feature became available to all eligible iOS 11.2 and watchOS 4.2 beta users last month.